Creative Edinburgh Limited: evaluation and economic impact assessment - final report

Creative Edinburgh (CE) aimed to: bring together the creative industries community in Edinburgh; encourage growth in the sector; and raise the ambitions of those companies involved in commercial activity. The evaluation aimed to: assess the performance of CE; identify its economic benefits; assess demand and the company base; compare the model of CE with other similar organisations; identify other potential delivery mechanisms and partners; identify the optimum business model should the intervention continue; identify potential sources of funding; and determine whether the budget represents value-for-money.

The methodology consisted of: an assessment of business plans and strategies, a comparative review of similar organisations, consultation with stakeholders and members, and a desk-based review.

Highlights the lack of a clear, shared strategic direction and vision for CE. In its current form, CE has reported success in encouraging networking, exchange of market knowledge and modest financial impacts for members.

Recommends that a formalised partnership working arrangement is the most appropriate and efficient delivery mechanism for CE to continue in a more structured manner. Identifies the need for further consideration of the concept of a wider initiative ‘Creative Scotland’.